The kinetics of oxidation of chondroitin-4-sulfate as sulfated carbohydrates by alkaline permanganate has been investigated spectrophotometrically. The oxidation reaction was found to proceed through two-distinct stages. The first stage was found to be relatively fast involving the formation of unstable green [CS, MnVIO42-] and blue [CS, MnVO43-] biopolymeric coordination intermediates at wavelengths of 610 and 730 nm, respectively. The second stage was corresponding to a slow decomposition of such intermediates to give rise to keto-acid derivative and soluble-colloidal manganese (IV) as final oxidation products. The oxidation reaction was found to be base-catalyzed. The kinetic parameters have been evaluated and a tentative oxidation reaction mechanism in good consistent with the kinetic results was suggested and discussed. Novel keto-acid derivative has been synthesized. The reaction product was characterized and identified by elemental analysis and spectral data.